U.S. patent application number 12/129089 was filed with the patent office on 2008-09-25 for device for stowing a road vehicle on a bearing plane so that it can be transported by another vehicle.
This patent application is currently assigned to LOHR INDUSTRIE. Invention is credited to Bertrand BLANCHET.
Application Number | 20080232918 12/129089 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37103039 |
Filed Date | 2008-09-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080232918 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
BLANCHET; Bertrand |
September 25, 2008 |
DEVICE FOR STOWING A ROAD VEHICLE ON A BEARING PLANE SO THAT IT CAN
BE TRANSPORTED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE
Abstract
The device (1) for stowing a vehicle when it is transported on a
bearing plane (9) by one of its wheels or from an anchorage on the
chassis is characterized in that it is constituted by the following
means: a link (2) that has a coupling end (5) provided to engage
with a tensioning and retaining mechanism (3), a tensioning end
(6), and a sliding sheath (7) for support on a tyre, a mechanism
for tensioning and retaining the link (2) that has a roll axis (10)
of sufficient length to offer numerous transverse coiling positions
of the strap, and a coupling and return assembly (4) passed through
by the link (2). Said device therefore enables vehicles to be
stowed in two ways: a) by coupling to the vehicle chassis and b) by
stowing the vehicle by link (2) on its tyres. This invention
relates to the transportation of vehicles on Lorries or railway
trucks.
Inventors: |
BLANCHET; Bertrand;
(Oberschaeffolsheim, FR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DAVIS BUJOLD & Daniels, P.L.L.C.
112 PLEASANT STREET
CONCORD
NH
03301
US
|
Assignee: |
LOHR INDUSTRIE
Hangenbieten
FR
|
Family ID: |
37103039 |
Appl. No.: |
12/129089 |
Filed: |
May 29, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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PCT/FR2007/000617 |
Apr 12, 2007 |
|
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12129089 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
410/12 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60P 3/079 20130101;
B60P 3/075 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
410/12 |
International
Class: |
B60P 3/06 20060101
B60P003/06 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 13, 2006 |
FR |
0603277 |
Claims
1-30. (canceled)
31. A device (1) for securing a vehicle when the vehicle is being
transported on a bearing plane (9) by at least one of a wheel (12)
and at least one anchoring point (13) of the vehicle's chassis
(14), the device (1) comprising a link with a coupling end (5) for
coupling to the bearing plane (9) and a tensioning end (6) that
cooperates with a tensioning and retaining mechanism (3) of the
link, and between the coupling end (5) and the tensioning end (6),
an area intended to secure the vehicle transported on the bearing
plane (9), between the coupling end (5) and the tensioning end (6)
of the link is a coupling and return assembly (4) of the link
comprising a means of attachment for immobilizing the assembly (4)
on the bearing plane (9), the assembly (4) being passed through by
the link and being able to move on and along the link and having a
means of retention separable from the assembly (4) and one of
passed through and borne by the link and capable of forming with
the link an attachment with at least one anchoring point (13) for
securing the vehicle via its chassis during transport, thus making
it possible to maintain the assembly (4) on the bearing plane (9)
to form a second attachment for the link to the bearing plane, the
link being capable of immobilizing the vehicle by pressing down on
a tire, and thus also or additionally making it possible to send
the link upwards to create, by tensioning the link using the
tensioning and retaining mechanism (3), a downward tractive force
applied to the chassis of the vehicle being transported.
32. The securing device according to claim 31, wherein the link is
flat.
33. The securing device according to claim 32, wherein the link is
a strap (2).
34. The securing device according to claim 31, wherein the
retaining means for the assembly (4) is a swivel hook (18).
35. The securing device according to claim 31, wherein the
tensioning and retaining mechanism (3) of the link is
removable.
36. The securing device according to claim 31, wherein the
tensioning and retaining mechanism (3) is inserted in the link
between the assembly (4) and the tensioning end (6) of the
link.
37. The securing device according to claim 31, wherein the
tensioning and retaining mechanism (3) is a ratchet winder.
38. The securing device according to claim 31, wherein the
tensioning and retaining mechanism (3) of the link comprises a
winding axle (10) sufficiently long enough to provide numerous
transversal winding positions for the link in order to be able to
tension the link in alignment with the wheel (12) but also in
alignment with the anchoring point (13) of the chassis (14) of the
vehicle.
39. The securing device according to claim 31, wherein the coupling
end (5) of the link comprises one of a hook or an analogous
component (8) which facilitates securing the coupling end (5) of
the link or a strap (2) to the bearing plane (9) on which the
vehicle is supported during transport.
40. The securing device according to claim 31, wherein a sliding
sheath (7) is made of a resistant material in which the link or a
strap (2) is inserted so that the link or a strap (2) slides inside
the sheath (7) and fits around the tire.
41. The securing device according to claim 31, wherein the
tensioning and retaining mechanism (3) is integrated in the
structure of one of a plane or a bearing floor of the vehicle.
42. The securing device according to claim 41, wherein the
tensioning and retaining mechanism (3) is integrated in a structure
of one of the bearing plane or a bearing floor of a transport
vehicle at an end of the structure.
43. The securing device according to claim 31, wherein the means of
attachment for immobilizing the assembly (4) to the bearing plane
(9) comprises a coupling element (18) and a remote end of the
assembly (4) includes a coupling element for coupling the assembly
(4) to the vehicle.
44. The securing device according to claim 43, wherein the
tensioning and retaining mechanism (3) is temporarily attached onto
or in a structure of the bearing plane or a floor of a transport
vehicle.
45. The securing device according to claim 31, wherein the
tensioning and retaining mechanism (3) comprises a winding axle
(10).
46. The securing device according to claim 45, wherein the winding
axle (10) is made to rotate by one of a ratchet and rotatable
mechanism (11).
47. The securing device according to claim 46, wherein a section of
the winding axle (10) is non-circular and comprises one or more
sliding winding components (15) provided for holding the tensioning
end (6) of the link or a strap (2).
48. The securing device according to claim 47, wherein the sliding
winding component (15) has a central passage with a non-circular
section through which the sliding winding component (15) is mounted
on the winding axle (10) and the non-circular section has a shape
that is complementary to a shape of the winding axle (10).
49. The securing device according to claim 31, wherein the coupling
and transmission assembly (4) comprises two separable parts,
including a hook holder assembly (16) and a separable transmission
part (17).
50. The securing device according to claim 49, wherein the hook
holder assembly (16) has at least one swivel hook (18) on a front
face.
51. The securing device according to claim 49, wherein the hook
holder assembly (16) has raised ends, each of which comprises one
of a rolling, a sliding or a slipping bearing surface for the strap
(2).
52. The securing device according to claim 51, wherein each of the
raised ends has one of a rolling axle or an inverted U-shaped
branch (19, 20) that bears against one of the rolling, the sliding
or the slipping bearing surface for the strap (2).
53. The securing device according to claim 52, wherein the hook
holder assembly (16) is shaped behind between two raised ends into
a receiving space (21) in which the separable transmission part
(17) is one of housed, fitted or nested.
54. The securing device according to claim 49, wherein the hook
holder assembly (16) enables production of a loop (22) with the
link or a strap (2) with upward movement transmission.
55. The securing device according to claim 50, wherein the hook
holder assembly (16) forms, with the link or a strap (2), a
downward movement transmission module when the hook (18) is hooked
with the bearing plane (9).
56. The securing device according to claim 49, wherein the
separable transmission part (17) has one of a U-shaped branch or a
rolling axle (23) for allowing the link or a strap (2) to move.
57. The securing device according to claim 49, wherein the
separable transmission part (17) comprises at least one of a hook
(24) and an adapter (25) to anchor the separable transmission part
(17) to the anchoring point (13) of the chassis (14) of the
vehicle.
58. The securing device according to claim 31, wherein the vehicle
is secured on the bearing plane via the tire of the wheel.
59. The securing device according to claim 31, wherein the vehicle
is secured on the bearing plane via at least one anchoring point on
the vehicle's chassis.
60. The securing device according to claim 31, wherein the vehicle
is secured on the bearing plane via both the tire of the wheel and
at least one anchoring point on the vehicle's chassis.
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation of International
Application PCT/FR2007/000617 which was filed Apr. 12, 2007, which
in turn claims priority from French patent application serial no.
0603277 filed Apr. 13, 2006.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates to a device for securing a road
vehicle on another vehicle so that it can be transported on a
bearing plane of this other vehicle.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The invention comes within the domain of securing road
vehicles as loads on loading planes of trucks or freight cars.
[0004] When transporting cars and, more generally, road vehicles on
trucks or freight cars specifically for this use, the vehicles
transported are secured on bearing planes to guarantee that they do
not move during travel.
[0005] This necessity stems from the often sudden jolts of certain
amplitude experienced by the chassis of the truck or the freight
car while moving and to flaws in the roads or railroad tracks.
[0006] There are currently two main ways to go about this.
[0007] The first consists in securing the vehicle by its wheels
and, more precisely, by its tires, thus allowing its suspension to
bounce freely.
[0008] The second, as indicated below, uses connections between the
chassis of the vehicle and the bearing plane on which the vehicle
rests. The suspension of the transported vehicle is then compressed
by the strong pull force of the connection, making it possible to
keep it taut regardless of the movements of the chassis of the
truck or the freight car.
[0009] In the first case, securing the vehicle by its wheels is
done either on the wheels or, more generally, by means of a flat
link that immobilizes the tire directly or by means of a part
bearing a strap. The strap is stretched between a low fixed end
point situated, for example, in front of the tire, generally by
hooking onto or into the structure of the bearing platform, and
another low fixed point situated, for example, close to and behind
the tire. Using a tensioning device the strap is tensioned enough
to immobilize the wheel against its bearing support.
[0010] This system has been largely perfected over the many years
since it was created.
[0011] Thus, the disadvantage due to the movement of the strap
resulting from its tensioning and from the slight collapse of the
tire was eliminated by using sliding sheaths or sleeves or loop
structures or swiveling means for rolling on the tire.
[0012] These types of securing methods have many advantages.
[0013] The first has to do with the lightness of the assembly,
which represents only a minimum amount of extra weight for the
truck and is easy and fast to use.
[0014] Another advantage is the small amount of strength necessary
for assembly, for the vehicle is sufficiently immobilized with
average tension and the only resistance to be overcome is that of
the tire.
[0015] Finally, the cost of the assembly appears entirely
reasonable.
[0016] The second means is still often used in certain
countries.
[0017] The links used are primarily chains that traditionally offer
the best mechanical strength, but cables are also used.
[0018] This second means has two significant disadvantages. On the
one hand, chains and even cables constitute additional weight to be
transported and used; on the other hand, their weight and the
necessity of compressing the suspensions requires considerable
effort which results in fatigue and, as a result, in risks for the
operators, as well as less attention to and less precision in their
actions.
[0019] From both an economical and work safety standpoint, these
disadvantages lead to a need for a device for securing to the
chassis that is light, effective and easy to use.
[0020] Furthermore, chain or cable systems cannot be adapted to
wheels or tires due to the damage that may cause.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0021] This invention aims to eliminate these disadvantages and to
add other advantages by proposing a dual-purpose securing device
using a strap making it possible to secure a vehicle on a bearing
plane for each strap via one of its wheels and from at least one
anchoring point on the chassis.
[0022] In general, this invention consists of a strap or an
analogous component equipped with coupling or contact means
completed by a tensioning device to be mounted on the bearing
plane, preferably at the end and on the underside of this bearing
plane.
[0023] The dual-purpose securing device according to the invention
is made up of the components indicated above and detailed
below.
[0024] A strap and more generally a link, one of whose ends has a
retaining hook that is attached to an opening of the bearing plane,
for example, in the form of perforated plate, and whose other end
is free and tensioned, the strap or the link comprising a means of
engaging the tire, which it moves and by which it presses on this
tire to immobilize it.
[0025] A manually activated tensioning and retaining mechanism of
sufficient length to offer numerous transverse winding positions
for tensioning the strap in alignment with the wheel or in
alignment with the anchoring point to the chassis.
[0026] A mobile coupling and transmission assembly formed of two
separable parts that slot together or fit into each other, making
it possible to secure the vehicle being transported at a point of
its chassis.
[0027] This securing device has the cumulated advantages of
securing the vehicle, via a strap on the wheel, and the advantages
of securing the vehicle, via an anchoring point on the chassis,
without having the disadvantages of adding additional weight or
being difficult to use.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] Other features and advantages of the invention will be
clarified by the following description, which refers to the
appended drawings, in which:
[0029] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the securing device
according to the invention;
[0030] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a coupling and transmission
assembly according to the invention whose two separable parts are
connected by the strap of the securing device;
[0031] FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of a tensioning and
retaining device of the invention shown mounted under a bearing
plane;
[0032] FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of two tensioning and
retaining devices of the invention, each shown mounted under a
separate bearing plane of the same vehicle;
[0033] FIGS. 5 and 6 are schematic perspective views of parts of a
vehicle immobilized on a bearing plane simultaneously by one of its
wheels and by an anchoring point to the chassis using two securing
devices according to the invention;
[0034] FIG. 7 is a side schematic view of a wheel immobilized on a
bearing plane by the securing device according to the
invention;
[0035] FIG. 8 is a side schematic view of a wheel immobilized at
the end of a bearing plane by the securing device according to the
invention;
[0036] FIG. 9 is a side schematic view of a vehicle chassis
immobilized on a bearing plane by the securing device according to
the invention at an anchoring point to the chassis; and
[0037] FIG. 10 is a side schematic view illustrating the dual,
simultaneous use allowing immobilization via the wheels and via the
chassis.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0038] The securing device according to this invention will now be
described in detail by referring to FIGS. 1 through 10. Equivalent
items shown in the different figures will have the same numerical
references.
[0039] The securing device 1, as shown in its entirety in FIG. 1,
generally consists of a link and more specifically a strap 2 or
analogous component, a tensioning and retaining mechanism 3 for the
link and a coupling and transmission assembly 4 passed through by
the link.
[0040] Hereinafter we will use the term "strap," since it is more
general and covers all suitable types of links.
[0041] The strap 2 or analogous component has a coupling end 5 and
another end, for example a tensioning end 6 provided to engage with
the tensioning and retaining mechanism 3 of the strap 2. This strap
or analogous component also has one or more means of contact
against the tire, for example in the form of a sliding sheath 7 or
several transversal support bars.
[0042] Its coupling end 5 preferably comprises a hook 8 or
analogous component making it possible to secure this end 5 of the
strap 2 and attach it detachably to the bearing plane 9 on which
the vehicle rests, generally by hooking it into an opening of the
structure of the plane or of the bearing platform 9.
[0043] The sliding sheath 7 for contact with the tire is preferably
of a length roughly equal to half the circumference of a tire and
makes it possible to avoid transferring the movement of the strap 2
resulting from its tensioning and the slight compression of the
tire to the tire. This can preferably be a sleeve made of a very
resistant material, preferably elastomer, inside which the strap 2
slides.
[0044] The tensioning and retention mechanism 3 of the strap 2 is
provided to tension it after it is immobilized and wound, then to
keep it taut.
[0045] In a particular but non-limiting embodiment of the
invention, shown in more detail in FIGS. 3 and 4, the tensioning
and retaining mechanism 3 has a winding axle 10 preferably rotated
by a mechanism 11 with a locking device, for example a ratchet or
analogous mechanism making it possible to lock the winding axle 10
in position to prevent it from rotating in the opposite direction
so that the strap 2 can be tensioned and be kept taut.
[0046] In one embodiment of the invention, the tensioning and
retaining mechanism 3 comprises a winding axle 10 that is long
enough to offer numerous transversal winding positions for the
strap 2 so that the strap can be tensioned strictly in alignment
with the wheel 12 and in alignment with the anchoring point 13 to
the chassis 14 of the vehicle.
[0047] In this embodiment, the section of the winding axle 10 is
non-circular and may comprise one or more sliding winding
components 15 provided to secure the tensioning end 6 of the strap
2. This winding component 15 has, for example, a central passage
with a non-circular section through which it is mounted on the
winding axle 10 and whose section has a shape that is complementary
to that of this winding axle 10 so that the rotation of this axle
drives the sliding winding component 15 so that it rotates at the
same time to wind the strap 2.
[0048] The tensioning and retaining mechanism 3 may be incorporated
in the structure of the plane or the bearing floor of the vehicle,
preferably at the end of this structure.
[0049] The tensioning and retaining mechanism 3 is shown as being
built onto the end of the bearing plate 9 or mounted onto it. It is
clear that this can be done so that it can be detached from the
platform or the bearing floor 9 of the vehicle, that is, so that it
is removable and can be attached there temporarily in the
appropriate spot, particularly simultaneously through a number of
through-perforations existing in its structure.
[0050] It is thus possible to envision several variants with
removable tensioning and retaining mechanisms 3 and ratchet
mechanisms whose mechanism would be mounted or temporarily attached
to the plane or the bearing platform in an appropriate
location.
[0051] One embodiment of the coupling and transmission assembly 4
is shown in detail in FIG. 2.
[0052] In a preferred embodiment, this assembly 4 comprises two
separable parts, a support having a retaining means, for example a
hook, called hook holder assembly 16 and a separable transmission
part 17.
[0053] The coupling and transmission assembly 4 is borne and
mounted so that it moves, for example by slipping, sliding or
rolling along the strap 2 for the purpose of making adjustments or
picking up slack or for various other reasons.
[0054] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the hook holder
assembly 16 has on its front face at least one retaining means, a
hook, for example, preferably a swivel hook 18. The hook holder
assembly 16 has at each of its raised ends a rolling, sliding or
slipping surface, for example a rolling axle or an inverted
U-shaped branch 19 and 20 or any other support that bears the
rolling, slipping or sliding strap 2. Between these two ends, the
support is shaped to offer a receiving space 21 in which the
separable return part 17 can be housed, fitted or nested making it
possible, as is seen in the figures, to create a loop 22 with the
strap 2 shifting the movement upward.
[0055] This arrangement makes it possible to produce a basic upward
block and tackle.
[0056] In effect, the hook holder assembly 16 forms with the strap
2 a downward movement transmission module when the hook 18 hooks
onto or into the bearing plane 9.
[0057] The separable transmission part 17 also comprises a
slipping, sliding or rolling surface that bears the slipping,
sliding or rolling strap while it moves. This may also be a
U-shaped branch or a rolling axle 23.
[0058] The separable transmission pail 17 is intended to be
attached by at least one anchoring point 13 to the chassis 14,
either directly or via a hook 24 or an adapter 25 mounted on this
hook 24 or any other suitable existing part available on the market
to create an upward transmission movement module with the strap
2.
[0059] As for the tensioning and retaining mechanism, this may be a
tensioning device integrated in the strap or inserted in the length
of this strap as a segment. It is also possible to imagine a
ratchet winder or any other equivalent device.
[0060] According to this last device, the second end of the strap
is no longer wound up in the mechanism at the end of the chassis,
but is hooked or attached directly to the end of the chassis or in
another location.
[0061] Using the means above offers the possibility of a dual use,
namely of using either of the two securing methods but also of
using them simultaneously on the same vehicle.
[0062] We will now describe the operation of the device 1 according
to the invention for securing a vehicle while it is being
transported on the bearing plane 9.
[0063] Two distinct but also simultaneous configurations for
securing vehicles are possible. They are shown in simplified form
in FIGS. 7 through 9.
[0064] First, securing via the wheels wherein the strap is
tightened around the tire (FIGS. 7 and 8).
[0065] The strap 2 is hooked by the coupling end 5 onto or into an
opening of the bearing plane 9. It is placed over the tire of the
wheel 12 via its sliding support sheath 7.
[0066] The coupling and transmission assembly 4 is coupled by its
hook 18 close to the tire of the wheel 12. The separable return
part 17 is retracted in the hook holder assembly 16.
[0067] When the wheel is far away from the tensioning device 3
(FIG. 7), the strap 2 extends roughly flat up to the tensioning
device 3 on the winding axle 10 and its tensioning end 6 is wound
in a position that is preferably in alignment with the tire of the
wheel 12. When the wheel 12 is close to the tensioning device 3
(FIG. 8), the strap 2 extends roughly vertically up to the
tensioning device 3.
[0068] Securing is achieved by tensioning the strap 2.
[0069] Second, securing by hooking to an anchoring point of the
chassis of the carrier vehicle.
[0070] The coupling end 5 of the strap 2 is hooked onto or into the
bearing plane 9 at a certain distance from the anchoring point or
points 13.
[0071] The coupling and return mechanism 4 is hooked onto or into
the bearing plane 9 by the hook 18 of the hook holder assembly 16,
approximately at the anchoring point 13.
[0072] The separable return part 17 is hooked to the anchoring
point either directly or via the hook 24 or the adapter 25 forming
the flat transmission loop 22 between the two ends 19 of the hook
holder assembly 16.
[0073] The length of the strap 2 makes it possible to connect it to
the tensioning mechanism 3 on the winding axle 10 and its
tensioning end 6 is preferably wound in alignment with the
anchoring point 13, that is, at a certain distance from the
position corresponding to the first configuration.
[0074] Securing is achieved by tensioning the strap 2 and keeping
it taut.
[0075] Third, dual securing via the wheels and one or more
anchoring points of the chassis of the carrier vehicle.
[0076] It is necessary to note that the securing device 1 of the
invention makes it possible to provide two means for securing a
same vehicle, regardless of the position of its wheels or its
anchoring points with respect to the bearing plane 9.
[0077] Of course, other embodiments may be envisioned by a person
skilled in the art without deviating from the general principle of
the invention.
[0078] Thus, for example, it is possible to replace the strap 2
with any other smooth or hinged flexible and resistant linking
component, a tether, a cable or a composite structure, for example,
and to use other types of structures for the bearing plane.
Attachment to the chassis can be achieved at several anchoring
points with the same strap.
* * * * *